Marion Affordable Housing Trust — October 13, 2026

The Marion Affordable Housing Trust met on October 13, 2026, to review regional housing developments, funding mechanisms, and prospective board memberships. The Trust began by approving the minutes from its September 8th meeting. Chair Terry Santos led a discussion on accessing approximately $330,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to partner with Habitat for Humanity for property acquisition or home rehabilitation. Members examined whether town-owned land on Point Road near the pickleball courts could support housing, though parcel research revealed the usable portion was only 0.4 acres. The board also reviewed the 14 Barnabas Road redevelopment project at the former Lockheed Martin site, agreeing to send a memo to the Planning Board recommending that at least 10% of the proposed units include three bedrooms to accommodate families.

The Trust reviewed Toll Brothers' proposed Heron Cove development, a 55-unit residential townhome project on Route 6 that transitioned away from Chapter 40B. Under Marion's inclusionary zoning bylaw, Toll Brothers will pay a fee-in-lieu of $75,000 per unit for four units, totaling $300,000 to the Trust. Members expressed frustration that the Select Board had previously rejected the Trust's recommendation to raise the cash-in-lieu fee from $75,000 to $150,000 per unit, and they discussed potential citizen petition options for the next annual town meeting in May. Concerns were also raised regarding traffic, road widths, heating infrastructure, and environmental runoff to the Weehaweenic River.

In other business, the Trust agreed to post resources on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) feasibility studies provided by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership on the town website and discussed statewide ballot Question 7 regarding single-family zoning minimum lot sizes. Finally, the Trust voted unanimously to advance the appointments of prospective members Julia Lively, Jean Marr, and Sandra to the Select Board for formal appointment before adjourning.

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